Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their praise for the Bill. We will pass it before Christmas and it will be a collective achievement. I cannot overemphasise that there is no monopoly on wisdom for any political party or for people of any particular persuasion. Everybody in this House and in Dáil Éireann has an opportunity to enhance an idea. This idea was sprouted long years ago and, as Senators have stated, it is in many party manifestos and in speeches made by advocates and union representatives. When the legislation is passed, it will probably be much better than it was when it was first mooted. It will be our collective achievement. I join Senator Nash in acknowledging the officials seated behind me who have worked for the past four years to get the legislation to where it is now. I thank them for their hard work.